Clingstones Win Fifth Straight in Comeback Fashion

The Columbus Clingstones (21-18, 50-53) fought for their fifth straight win against the Biloxi Shuckers (20-19, 55-49) behind a full-team effort from the pitching staff and offense, powered by multi-RBI performances from Owen Carey, Jordan Groshans, Will Verdung and Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. on Sunday evening at Synovus Park.

Decisive Plays: The Clingstones scored first in a three-run bottom of the first inning, where Owen Carey (2) and Jordan Groshans (20) hit back-to-back home runs. It marked the second time this week the Clingstones had hit back-to-back home runs. RHP Ian Mejia (4.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) kept Biloxi quiet until the fourth inning, when the Shuckers lineup erupted for three runs of their own, highlighted by an Andrew Fischer two-run homer to tie the game at 3-3.

Groshans reclaimed the Stones' lead with an RBI triple that scored Carey to make it 4-3. Biloxi answered with four runs in the top of the fifth inning, with two of the runs coming on a Damon Keith two-run single, to give the Shuckers a 7-4 lead.

Kilpatrick Jr. (6) started the bottom of the fifth with his third homer in as many games to cut the deficit to 7-5. Luke Waddell brought the game within one run with an RBI double down the right-field line in the sixth inning to make it 7-6.

The Clingstones offense came through in the eighth inning, scoring three runs to retake the lead. Will Verdung delivered a two-run single to provide the bulk of the scoring and give Columbus a 9-7 advantage heading into the ninth.

RHP Luis Vargas closed out the ninth inning, ending the game on a 5-4-3 double play to secure the Clingstones' fifth straight victory.

Key Contributors: Kilpatrick Jr. (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), Carey (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Groshans (3-for-3, HR, 3B, 2 RBI) all homered for the Clingstones, while Verdung (1-for-4, 2 RBI) collected two RBI. For Biloxi, Fischer (1-for-2, HR, 3 RBI) provided a bulk of the Shuckers' offense.

Notable: The five-game winning streak tied the longest in franchise history, matching the five-game streak the Clingstones had from April 7-12 against Montgomery. Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. homered in three consecutive games for the first time in his professional career.

Next Game (Tuesday, August 11): Columbus at Birmingham, 8:00 p.m. ET at Regions Field. Radio Broadcast: 7:50 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.

Next Home Game (Tuesday, August 18): Columbus vs. Montgomery, 7:06 p.m. ET at Synovus Park. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. ET on SportsVisions 92.1 FM. Stream: Bally Sports Live.